NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Zack Gelof #20 of the Oakland Athletics hits a 2-run home run in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 22, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
The Oakland Athletics will start the 2025 season without Zack Gelof, as the second baseman has been placed on the injured list due to a right hand injury. Gelof suffered a hamate bone fracture after being hit by a pitch during a spring training game on March 19 against the Cleveland Guardians.
At first, X-rays came back negative, but when the swelling didn’t improve, further tests revealed the fracture. Gelof is set to undergo surgery on March 24 in Los Angeles, performed by Dr. Steven Shin.
While there’s no exact timeline for his return, similar injuries have kept players out for several weeks. In 2019, Matt Olson had the same injury and missed over a month, though his return was considered quicker than usual.
The A’s will have to adjust their infield plans until Gelof recovers, but they’re hopeful he’ll be playing by the end of May.
